Congressman Steve Israel: Guest of Men’s Club: Sunday, July 8, 2012
June 26, 2012
Great Neck Synagogue Men’s Club
Is thrilled to welcome
Congressman Steve Israel
ON
SUNDAY, JULY 8, 2012 at 10:00 am
Speaking on “Independence”
At 26 Old Mill Road, Great Neck
Congressman Steve Israel
Congressman Steve Israel was first sworn into Congress in 2001. He currently represents New York’s 2nd Congressional District, including the communities of Huntington, Babylon, Smithtown and Oyster Bay, but will be running in November for the newly constituted 3rd District, which encompasses Great Neck, the seat previously held by Congressman Gary Ackerman.
Israel is a member of the House Leadership, serving as the Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. In March of 2012, he was appointed to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council.
The Middle East and Israel
Congressman Israel is a leader in the House in supporting U.S. assistance for the State of Israel and has been an active voice on behalf of U.S.-Israeli relations. He called for the arrest of Iranian President Ahmadinejad on charges of incitement to genocide, led bi-partisan efforts to strengthen sanctions against Iran, and helped lead the funding of cutting-edge military equipment and technologies to maintain Israel’s qualitative military edge.
All Welcome
Due to a fast day, no refreshments will be served
Nefesh B’Nefesh: July 9, 2012
June 26, 2012
Nefesh B’Nefesh Comes To Great Neck
On Monday evening, July 9th, the Nefesh B’Nefesh organization, who have energized North American Aliya, will conduct a “Retiring in Israel” workshop at 22 Hawthorne Lane in Saddle Rock (starting at 7:30pm).
Light refreshments will be served, and an informative evening will be had by all. This event is co-presented by the Great Neck Synagogue and the Young Israel of Great Neck. For information and registration please visit: www.nbn.org.il/usa
Within Our Family: June 30, 2012
June 26, 2012
Mazal Tov to Farahnaz & Joseph Sameyah on the Bar Mitzvah of their son Robert.
Mazal Tov to Laura & Scott Danoff on the birth of a granddaughter, born to their children Jonathan and Danielle Danoff.
Mazal Tov to Judy & Jerrald Weinstein on the upcoming marriage of their son Dov to Lisa Jaffe daughter of Judy & Andy Jaffe. Mazal Tov to grandmother Shirley Weinstein.
Mazal Tov to Mazal & Rabbi Tokayer on the upcoming marriage of their son Danny to Beatrice Garfinkiel of Montreal.
Mazal Tov to Anne & Harvey Brenner on the birth of a grandson, born to their children Tara & Dustin Gillman.
Mazal Tov to Brenda & Edward Parver on the birth of a granddaughter, Chaya Yakira born to their children Rebecca & Elly Gamss.
Mazal Tov to Mina & Herman Kotler on the birth of a grandson born to their children Corinne & Avery Kotler.
Sponsorships: June 30, 2012
June 26, 2012
Kiddush is co-sponsored by Farahnaz & Joseph Sameyah in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of their son Robert,Judith & Jerrald Weinstein in honor of the aufruf of their son Dov and by Mazal & Rabbi Marvin Tokayer on the aufruf of their Son Danny.
Bima Flowers in the Main Shul are sponsored by Farahnaz & Joseph Sameyah in honor of their son Robert’s Bar Mitzvah and Flowers in the Beit Midrash are sponsored by Judith & Jerrald Weinstein in honor of their son Dov’s aufruf.
Seudah Shlishit is sponsored by Great Neck Synagogue in honor of Rabbi Daniel & Yael Schwecter who have served our shul for two years as Rabbinic Intern.
June 30, 2012
June 26, 2012
Peace of Parsha Korach : June 19, 2012 : Dr. Laura Danoff
June 20, 2012
Korach was a 1st cousin of Moshe, a member of the tribe of Levi and was considered one of the greatest men of his generation. When he decided to challenge Moshe’s leadership with the aim of replacing Aharon as Koden Gadol he brought down himself and his entire family. Korach was obsessively jealous of Moshe and Aharon’s leadership. He organized 250 leaders of the nation to rebel against Moshe and Aharon. Korach argued that Moshe was guilty of greed and nepotism. Korach’s followers were mostly from the neighboring tribe of Reuven who was easily convinced since Reuven lost the 1st born privileges after the sin of the Golden Calf.
The opening words of the parsha “Vayikach Korach- and Korach took” could be interpreted to mean that Korach’s life was focused on taking rather than giving which never allowed him to have peace of heart. Rashi says that Korach “took himself” meaning he separated himself from the Jewish community and attempted to take power for himself.
Dathan and Aviram sons of Eliav and On, son of Peleth, were the 1st to participate in Korach’s rebellion. Moshe tried to reason with them. They claimed the right of leadership based on their descent from Reuven, the oldest son of Ya’acov. He said, “In the morning (boker) Haskehm will make known…” The word “boker” which means morning is related to the word “bikoves” which means “to clarify, to investigate.” So we learn from Moshe that re-thinking everything and examining ones’ motivations until morning helps us from making quick and poor decisions. Unfortunately, Korach and his followers remained stubborn.
Moshe didn’t give up but sent for Dathan and Aviram to make peace. When this failed, Moshe himself humbly went to Dasan and Aviram. Moshe teaches us to pursue peace and never to stand on ceremony when arguments and contention exist within one’s family or community. One should learn control and patience and be the 1st to extend the hand of peace. In Shmoneh Esrai, we take 3 steps back when we recite “Oseh Shalom.” This reminds us for the sake of peace one often has to back off even at the cost of his own pride.
On, son of Peleth was the only man among the rebels whose life was saved. The Midrash gives all the credit to his wife. She convinces him that his participation in the rebellion would be to no value. Korach’s wife on the other hand reinforced his poor decision. The Midrash states in the words of Proverbs (14:1) “a wise woman builds her house, but a foolish woman destroys it with her own hands.”
Korach’s heart was consumed with jealousy. Korach came from the tribe of Levi, and was extremely accomplished, brilliant and the wealthiest man of his time. Korach’s wealth (he discovered one of the 3 treasure stores that Yosef had accumulated for Pharoh during the 7 years of plenty) gave him a sense of arrogance, which influenced him to want political power as well. As King Solomon wrote: “He that thirsts in his riches shall fall” (Proverbs 11:28).
So from Korach we learn that jealousy is absolutely self-destructive. The malicious feelings that are created when one is envious will not change our own situation but inhibit us from appreciating all that we do have. Superficially, the grass will always appear to be greener on the other side. We should examine our lives and develop our own potential and our own unique selves for which G-d created us.
This Peace of Parsha is dedicated to our daughter Yael in honor of her birthday! May you continue to enjoy all of Hashem’s blessings and recognize the beauty and uniqueness of the gifts you possess!
Shabbat Shalom!
June 23, 2012
June 18, 2012
Men’s Club July Events
June 18, 2012
Sunday, July 1st at 9:00 am GOING FISHING (again!)
The whole family is invited to have a wonderful, exciting morning on
board the Capt. Pete, leaving from Freeport, Long Island at 9:00
am. The cost, which includes breakfast and lunch, is $48 per adult,
$36 for children under 12 (First 6 kids under 12 free with paying
adult-1 per family). Limited space. Please call Steve Blumner
639-8941, Mark Friedman 482-1062 or Hilly Milun 448-4890 ASAP.
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Sunday, July 8th at 10:00 am - We are pleased to announce that
Congressman Steve Israel will be our guest speaker at the Sunday
morning talk. All welcome. As that day is a fast day there will be no
refreshments served.
Sponsorships: June 23, 2012
June 18, 2012
Kiddush is sponsored by Lisa & Michael Aryeh in honor of the marriage of their children Brandel & Isaac Aryeh.
Sunday Breakfast is sponsored by Michele & Howard Wolf in memory of his mother Carrie Wolf, z”l.
Within Our Family: June 23, 2012
June 18, 2012
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